Testicular Self Examination

Strangely enough I've never heard of a Testicular Self Examination until recently, but I've researched it and here's my presentation...

What Is TSE

Testicular Self Examination (TSE) is a personal check-up performed by males aged 15 and over, to detect any signs of a common cancer in males under the age of 40, testicular cancer (will be discussed in next post). Similarly to breast self-examination, TSE should be done at least once a month.

How To Carry Out A TSE

1. Stand in the shower or alternatively stand in front of a mirror after having a warm shower or bath. Hold or cup your scrotum in one hand and look for any swelling on the skin around testes.
   
2. Using your index, middle and 'ring' fingers, initially separate the epididymis and the testicle by squeezing gently on the top of the testicle with one hand and hold it there. Now you should be able to see the rounded (actually oval) shape of the testicle more vividly. Now using the other hand, gently roll the testicle between your fingers and feel for any lumps or unusual swelling.
   
3. Make sure you've checked each testicle at least twice. Lumps can be very small so be sure to check more than once if necessary.
   
4. Make a note of any change(s) you've noticed and take them with you to your next doctor visit.

Some common signs of testicular cancer:

• Any enlargement of a testicle.
  
• A significant loss of size in one of the testicles.
  
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
  
• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum.
  
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum.

You may ask why should you do this check-up while having a warm bath or just after and the answer is that, with response to changes in temperature, the testes may be drawn closer to the body (contraction) or be relaxed. With cold temperature, they are drawn inwards while with warm temperature, they droop (relaxation).

Performing a testicular self examination is just as important as carrying out a breast self examination so males take care of yourselves and also make it a routine to check your testes and be familiar with your personal assets. It will only take a few minutes. If you like, both you and your spouse may perform the TSE, but have it done each month. Don't forget, it's worth it!

Breast Self-Examination

What is BSE

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a scheduled or regular check-up performed personally by women, who are normally over 20 years, to detect any signs of abnormaility (difference) in their entire breast area (see picture) and to become familiar with their personal assets. BSE allows the individual to be aware of unnatural changes within their breast tissue and to be prepared, with any signs of change, to be examined by their doctor for a second opinion. Note that your doctor relies on you to tell him/her what is normal for you and what has changed, so make it your priority to check your breast at least once a month, preferably just after your period or just before the end of your period, and 'stay on top' of your bodily changes. After the age of 40, ensure you have a yearly breast exam and mammogram.

How To Carry Out A BSE

• First, stand up before a mirror that allows you to see at least from your collar bone to your 'bra line' (just below your breasts). Hands at your side, look at your entire breast area. Notice the size and shape of your breasts. Then, hands akimbo (on your hips), look at your breasts again. Lean slightly forward and look.
• Now assume your initial position with your hands at your side and raise your arms straight in the air and look once more. While still looking in the mirror, squeeze each nipple between your index finger and your thumb and check for any signs of unnatural nipple discharge (bloody or watery with a red, pink or brown colour or sticky and clear in colour or brown to black in colour).
  
  
• Lie on your back with the palm of your hand resting under the middle top region of your back, and possibly some support from a soft pillow or towel, use your index, middle and 'ring' fingers, of the other hand, together to gently feel your entire breast area moving from the region under your armpit to the middle of your chest, in a vertical up-and-down pattern. Increasing slightly the pressure of your touch, repeat this two more times. Then, repeat with the other breast.

• Finally, make a note of any changes you've noticed. If you've noticed a change but you are skeptical about seeing a doctor, wait a few weeks and redo the BSE. Note changes again and compare them to the one(s) you've noted initially. Then decide whether or not you need to see a physician. Always remember, most changes seen or felt are benign (non-cancerous) so don't you worry.

So Ladies and Gents (who have a woman or women in their lives, e.g. mother, daughter, wife, girlfriend) encourage each other in this fight for well-being. Make it your business and routine to have your breasts checked as often as possible, and take care of yourselves. It's well worth it!

Click Here To See One of The Best Videos I've Seen On BSE

~KIP~